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A Muncy business owner has purchased a vacant store on Arch Street with intention to open a detailing business.
Marco Colbert, owner of Patriot Mobile Auto Body and Detailing recently spoke with Williamsport City Council presenting them with the small business plan.
Colbert bought a property in the 500 block of Arch Street that was vacant for a number of years.
He said he'd like to bring the detailing part of his business to the site.
Councilman Eric Beiter suggested that Colbert continue to meet with Gary Knarr, city zoning officer, as a "great resource." Knarr is currently the acting supervisor at the codes department as the city seeks a full-time codes administrator and works with a third-party on codes-related issues.
The Arch Street building is directly across from Brodart and near Harvest Moon, Beiter said.
"Continue to reach out to the proper resources," Beiter said.
Colbert also asked if council or Mayor Derek Slaughter were in discussions about small business deregulation or "lightening up laws" and making it "easier for new business owners to come in and have a business."
Colbert said specifically he did not request to skirt any applicable laws but wanted to see if there were efforts to make them less onerous.
Currently, Beiter replied, city "Treasurer Kevin Mackey is working on programs for that."
Beiter also invited Colbert to attend an upcoming economic revitalization committee meeting, where these programs and ideas would be further discussed.
Colbert noted how he has spoken with Mackey and learned some about the new grants and the tax abatement programs in place.
What he most wanted to address to the council and administration was "old, corny and phony regulations" when it comes to building and infrastructure.
"What building owners are looking for is deregulation," he said, adding he was not saying there should not be a proper permitting process.
However, he said, some of the infrastructure laws are old.
"When you make it easier for business owners to come in and scale back, we will come in full swing," he said.
Colbert noted how the city clerk and others in the city have been welcoming to him.
"It's been a good experience so far," he said.